Jacks select nine players, complete Phase I draft

By Scott Bradford, 05/07/18, 10:15PM EDT

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MUSKEGON, MI- The Muskegon Lumberjacks made nine selections in the 2018 USHL Phase I draft, completing the first day of the two-day draft. All players selected in the Phase I draft are first-year-eligible players, meaning this year’s crop are those born in 2002.

Muskegon kicked off their part of the Phase I draft by selecting Russian forward Danil Gushchin, a 5-foot-9, 170-pound right wing. Gushchin was a standout for his native Russian national team, routinely excelling while playing above his U15 age division. Gushchin played 11 games at the U16 level internationally, netting 11 goals and tabbing seven assists. Gushchin played 15 games at the U17 level, notching six goals and three helpers.

Vanbiesbrouck bolstered the roster by selecting eight forwards and two defensemen.

“We had a great draft,” said Vanbiesbrouck. “We’re excited about the future and what all these players are going to bring.”

The Jacks also nabbed a forward with a very familiar name to hockey fans in the state of Michigan: Kienan Draper, son of former Red Wing Kris, was selected in the 7th round.

Here is a breakdown of all ten players selected, including draft position, position, hometown, ‘17-’18 team, ‘17-’18 point total (G-A-P), and college commitment where applicable.

The Phase II draft begins tomorrow at 11:00am, and Muskegon will make 21 picks to fill out their 45-man roster. While Phase I is only open to first-year eligible players, Phase II is open to any USHL eligible players who are not protected by any USHL team.

Each pick will be announced live on the Lumberjacks’ twitter, @MuskegonJacks